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When helping students choose books for independent reading time, one of the most important things for teachers to consider is choosing just the right books for each child's reading level. Having just the right book can help fuel a lifelong love of reading. In this article, we'll explore what makes a book "just right" and provide some tips and strategies for helping kids find books that are engaging, yet not too much of a challenge.
A just right book is one a child can read with about 90-95% accuracy. This means the text has a few new words that can be sounded out, but most of the words the child already knows. When the text is too hard, it can frustrate the reader and turn them off from reading altogether. But a too easy one might bore them and not push their skills forward. Finding the sweet spot of being interesting but not too tough is key.
For emerging readers starting out in kindergarten, look for books with repeating patterns, rhymes, and pictures that help tell the story. Books where the words directly match the pictures one-to-one are perfect for building early reading confidence. Favorite authors for this level include Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, and Mem Fox. Ask kindergartners to read their book aloud to you. If they struggle with more than a few words, it's likely not quite the right level yet.
To quickly gauge whether a book may be just right, use the "five finger rule." Have the child open to any part and start reading. For each word they don't know, they put up a finger. If they get to five fingers, it's likely too much of a challenge. If they easily read the whole page with one or no words unknown, it might be a too easy book. Aim for one finger to three fingers up. You can also have them read a page or two to you and observe their reading ability and level of fluency or frustration.
A great way to help students choose books that match their skill level is by displaying a poster in the classroom. This is a quick and easy way to show the different characteristics of books that may be just right at different stages. You can break it down into levels like beginner, developing, fluent, and advanced. For each level, describe typical features like pictures vs. text ratio, type of sentences, use of familiar words, estimated reading level, etc.
Hang this poster in the book-nook area or library for kids to reference as they browse titles. They can self-assess whether a certain book falls within their comfort zone based on the descriptions. Periodically read with students to double-check if the books they've chosen are suitable challenges. With practice selecting books independently using these guidelines, they'll gain confidence in accurately gauging their own reading abilities.
As children progress, their reading might include chapters and more complex plots and themes. Look for appropriate books that seem interesting to them where the vocabulary used makes sense to discuss afterwards, even if some words need to be explained. It’s important that students read things they enjoy so they regularly practice these developing skills. Model reading books yourself to students too, discussing your thoughts aloud and doing reader's theater together.
When students visit the school library or classroom library, here are some tips to help them in picking:
It's important that children are not afraid to put a book back if they realize upon starting it doesn’t seem quite right based on these guidelines. The goal is to help them feel successful and excited about reading, not frustrated. Learning correct selection for their instructional level can lead to a lifetime of enjoying reading for pleasure and information.
Storyboard That offers several free printable resources for exploring books, like book cover worksheets where kids design their own covers. Also explore our book jacket poster templates, which allow students to create visual summaries of stories. Another fun option is book bin labels so readers can easily find books on topics that interest them in the classroom library. As reading practice increases, book jacket worksheet templates can help to outline stories, promoting summary skills and comprehension of literature. For more in-depth comprehension, book report planning sheets provide guidance on analyzing characters, plots and themes. Embracing visual learning keeps independent reading meaningful and enjoyable for students.
Happy Creating!
There are a few quick and easy ways to help students when choosing a just right book that will be engaging without being too difficult. Things like using the five finger rule, previewing the first page, considering illustrations, referring to level descriptions, and getting input from peers or teachers can help find that sweet spot.
A just right book is one that a child can read with around 90-95% accuracy. It has a few unfamiliar words they need to sound out, but most words are already in their sight vocabulary. The content and style of the book match the child's interest level and current reading abilities.